THE DOG ADVISOR KENT BLOGS

THE DOG ADVISOR KENT BLOGS

Dog Friendly Kent Heatwave Guide June 2025

So it's hot outside as we write on Friday 20th June 2025 and getting hotter over the weekend so we thought we'd collect some dog-friendly advice and recommendations from our hive mind of DOGGY DIRECTORY businesses to give you both information and inspiration so you can keep your dog(s) safe, mildly entertained and know what to do if they suffer from heatstroke or more rarely water intoxication. Stay cool doggos!

Kerry Stubbs RVN Pet Owners & Professionals First Aid Heat Stroke Advice

Read on for what to do if your dog gets heatstroke

In cases of heatstroke the first aid provided can mean the difference between life and death; YOU need to start the cooling process immediately!

• Remove the animal from the hot environment immediately.
• Place the animal in the shade and if possible on a cool surface like grass. Concrete and bitumen retain heat so will be warmer.
• Bathe/shower in cool/cold water (any water that is cooler than the dog is better than nothing).
• Use cold packs wrapped in cloth on the animal.
• Put air con on/ place animal in front of a fan.
• Phone your vet and arrange an urgent appointment, all animals who have overheated are at risk of internal organ damage.

Signs of Heatstroke thank you Family Dog Services

• Rapid Panting
• Dehydration
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting or upset tummy
• Rapid heart rate
• Seizures or Muscle tremors
• Wobbly, uncoordinated movement
• Collapse or unconsciousnes

Aubrey at Bluebell Pet Care on the ITV News talking all things hot weather!

Aubrey in the shade with her pug Clifford

Check out the article on ITV News where Aubrey at Bluebell Pet Care features by clicking here

Cool Coats

Kerry Stubbs RVN at Pet Owners and Professionals Pet First Aid recommends the use of cool coats and advises that any brachycephalic breeds wear them all day not just when outside. You can buy cool coats at Shampaws Grooming and Pet Store Leysdown High Street thank you Hannah, also cool mats.

Jess at No Ruff Days Sittingbourne mentioned to be mindful of going out in high temperatures with a fully wet cool coat as this may burn the dog's back. She advises to wet the dog under the armpits, on the belly and toes.

It's a minefield so use your best judgement and that's normally for dogs to stay inside in the cool and shade during high temperatures.

Daisy Doodle Hot Weather Advice for Dog Grooming

Daisy Doodle Grooming is an award winning groomer based in Aylesford Maidstone Kent

Regular grooming is especially important for crossbreed dogs, particularly in hot weather, because they often inherit mixed coat types that can complicate temperature regulation. A prime example is the Cockapoo, which typically inherits a wool-like Poodle coat combined with the double coat of a Cocker Spaniel. This hybrid coat can create challenges if not properly maintained.

Key Benefits of Regular Grooming for Crossbreeds in Hot Weather:

1. Temperature Regulation
• Mixed coats trap heat: Wool coats are insulating, and double coats are designed to trap air for warmth. When combined, these can over-insulate the dog, especially in summer.
• Without regular grooming (including brushing and clipping), matting occurs, which prevents air circulation to the skin and traps heat, significantly raising the risk of overheating or heatstroke.

2. Paw Health – Grinch Feet & Hairy Pads
• Crossbreeds like Cockapoos often develop “grinch feet”, where long hair grows over the tops and sides of the paws.
• This hair, along with excess fur between the paw pads, traps dirt, moisture, and heat. In hot weather, this not only increases discomfort but can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.
• Dogs sweat through their paw pads—one of their few natural cooling mechanisms. Excess fur here can block sweat evaporation, reducing cooling efficiency.

3. Mat Prevention and Skin Health
• Mats can form quickly in curly or mixed coats, particularly around areas like the armpits, ears, and tail base.
• Mats pull tightly on the skin, causing pain, restricting movement, and reducing airflow, which worsens heat retention.
• Moisture trapped under mats can also lead to hot spots and dermatitis.

4. Parasite Control
• Thicker, unkempt coats provide an ideal hiding place for fleas, ticks, and mites.
• Regular grooming makes it easier to spot and remove pests before they cause skin infections or transmit diseases.

5. Comfort and Mobility
• Removing excess hair around sensitive areas, like the eyes, feet, and rear end, enhances comfort and hygiene.
• Shortened hair on the paws and legs prevents slipping on smooth surfaces, especially in humid or wet conditions.

Family Dog Services Maidstone - A trainers responsibility to protect clients dogs in extreme heat

Cooling paddling pool at Family Dog Services HQ for Dude, Rose and Genie

As trainers we take the welfare of the dogs training with us very seriously and we always rearrange 121s and classes if we feel the dogs are at risk

Where possible we may move 121s and class times to early morning or late afternoon/evening times if the temperatures accommodate this.

We are very cautious whenever extreme weather is an issue. Your dogs safety is of the upmost importance to us.

In warmer weather we recommend bringing extra water, a wet towel or a cooling coat for the dogs

Rule of thumb is if temperatures are above 24 degrees and we have no breeze or cloud cover it may be too hot for the dogs, depending on our training location

Some dogs cope better than others. Even a fit and healthy dog can be at risk of heatstroke

Heatstroke in dogs is serious, please contact your vet if you are concerned that your dog may have Heatstroke.

Bees Pet Services Sittingbourne Heatwave Update

Becky and her team at Bees Pet Services Sittingbourne do lots of drop ins in the hot weather

I’ve cancelled all walks until the temperatures lower now. Home visits only. We are doing lots of “find it” style games in cool rooms or shady spots. Having lots of cuddles and playing with dog pools where provided. The biggest issue I have is encouraging dogs to go toilet in their garden when they are used to going on a walk. One of my morning dogs today literally kept going to their front door and pawing at it asking for her walk. It’s hard when they love their walks so much and they don’t understand. Some of my clients have left out cooling bandannas and lick mats in the freezer.

The other advice I would give is to close all blinds and curtains in the house to keep the room cool especially if you are out and the dogs and/or cats are in the house.

Lorraine Johns at The Bark Park Higham

Even gardens can be hot if no shade and have astro, sometimes an on lead gentle walk in local woods can be better for a dog. Its all about being sensible. And I'm finding 5pm is hotter than 12 noon at moment.

Sharon Rogers Dog Training Gravesend Heatwave Inspo

A muffin tin and some tennis balls, try using things you have at home to make enrichment games!

Out early and home visiting to dogs home alone in the afternoon. Our Muzzled dog loves this game in front of the fan. Muffin tin with treats hidden under ball. Much cheaper than all the puzzles on the market!

This is a another favourite, hide a treat under one of them, then send the dog to find it! In the shade of course!

A Teachers Pet Tips to Keep Your Dogs Cool

Fill a shallow paddling pool with cool water and add some water-safe toys for splashy fun

• Set up a shady chill zone with a damp towel or cooling mat
• Store their favourite veggies (like carrots!) in the fridge for a refreshing treat
• Hydration is key – Make sure fresh, cool water is always available.
• Frozen treats – Blend pet-safe ingredients like plain yoghurt, banana, or peanut butter and freeze them in silicone molds or Kongs.
• Use fans or cooling vests – A gentle fan or a damp cooling vest can help regulate your pet’s body temperature.
• Stay indoors during peak heat – Walk or exercise early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Never leave pets in cars – even for a minute. Temps rise fast and can be fatal.
• Groom appropriately – Regular brushing can help remove excess fur. For some breeds, a summer trim helps, but avoid shaving double-coated breeds.
• Paw check – pavements can burn paws. Touch the ground with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
• Cool surfaces – Let your pet rest on tile floors or cooling mats rather than carpets or bedding that retain heat.

The Dog Advisor Kent

As a dog owner myself at The Dog Advisor Kent HQ, these are things we do. Check the temperatures so we can plan our walk - we use Met Office app but whatever app you may use for the weather can help you plan and you'll also notice that the heat doesn't tail off in the evening until very late. On Saturday 21st June 2025 for example Met Office is showing in Iwade it's 24 degrees Celcius already at 8am and rising but doesn't get back down to 24 degress again until 10pm!

We quite like a wet teatowel at home to put over the dog's back in the heat and a cotton towel on the bed at night rather than a fluffy blanket.

An early shady walk for us and then home in the cool all day.

Syrah at The Dog Squad Tonbridge

Try making your dog a fun low exertion game to play in the shade

Search games for mental stimulation indoors. Also careful, appropriate and managed exposure to the warmer weather to allow the dogs to actually acclimatise.

Cherrytree Hydrotherapy Centre on Water Intoxication

Water intoxication, also known as hy-ponatremia or water poisoning, is a dangerous condition in dogs that occurs when they ingest excessive amounts of water, leading to dangerously low sodium levels in the blood. This can cause cells to swell, particularly brain cells, leading to various neurological symptoms and potentially death if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of water intoxication in dogs:
Early signs: Lethargy, nausea, vomiting, bloating, staggering, excessive drooling, pale gums, and dilated pupils.
Advanced symptoms: Difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma.

What causes water intoxication?
Swimming and playing in water: Dogs playing fetch or retrieving toys in water can accidentally ingest large amounts of water.
Excessive drinking: Dogs may drink excessively due to thirst, underlying medical conditions, or behavioral issues.

What to do if you suspect water intoxication:
Seek immediate veterinary care: Water intoxication is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial.
Do not restrict water access: Do not withhold water from your dog unless advised by a veterinarian.
Monitor symptoms: Keep a close watch on your dog's symptoms and report them to the veterinarian.

Prevention:
Supervise swimming: Limit the time your dog spends swimming and playing in the water.
Provide fresh water: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times, but encourage them to drink in moderation.
Be aware of water dangers: Be mindful of potential hazards like blue-green algae in water bodies.

Treatment:
Veterinary treatment: Veterinarians may administer intravenous fluids with electrolytes, diuretics, and medications to reduce brain swelling.
Diuretics: Diuretics can help the body excrete excess water.
Monitoring: Close monitoring of the dog's condition is essential during treatment.
In summary, water intoxication is a serious condition that can affect dogs, especially those who enjoy swimming or playing in the water.
Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking prompt veterinary care can significantly improve the chances of recovery.

According to Sandra at Cherrytree Hydrotherapy Centre on the Isle of Sheppey, water intoxication is rare but not enough people know about it so thank you Sandra for spreading the word.